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Go Steam Go!
Thursday 15 October 2015
Saturday 12 September 2015
STEAM OPEN WITH A WIN ON THE ROAD
With the 2015/16 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season set to get underway on Friday night, the Summerland Steam were ready to go. After nearly 3 weeks of camps, practices and exhibition action it was finally time to get underway with a trip to the Similkameen Valley to play the Princeton Posse.
The Posse, under new Head Coach Geoff Goodman, looked equally as ready to start the new season. Though Summerland controlled the majority of play early on, the home side jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in their home opener. The first Posse tally would come from rookie Tanner Braid, his first in the KIJHL. The second, just five minutes later, came off the stick of Drew Carter and beat Steam starter Austin Wells.
Those would be the only two goals the Steam goaltender would render, however, as he shut the door and made 15 saves on 17 shots throughout the night to pick up a 4-2 victory.
The Steam would get on the board later in the period, at exactly the 3:00 mark when the Yukon Line went to work. Riley Pettitt found himself on the business end, scoring the Steam's first goal of the 2015/16 KIJHL season on Posse goaltender Stephen Heslop. Adam Jones and Jarrett Malchow drew assists on the goal, Pettitt's first of two on the night.
The first period seemed a bit sloppy for both teams as they tried to work out the jitters, but the pace improved as the period went on. It was a cleanly played (for the most part) period that saw the Steam outshoot the Posse 20-5 but trail 2-1 after 1.
The second period was ALL Summerland. They outshot the Posse 19-5 and scored 3 times to give themselves a 4-2 lead. First it was the captain, Paulsen Lautard, who tied the game at 2 just 4:32 into the frame. Matthew Monk drew an assist on Lautard's 1st of the year for his first KIJHL point in his first KIJHL game.
Jack Mills would then notch his first of the season with 5:35 remaining in the 2nd frame to give his team the lead with his 1st of the season. Lautard and defenceman Cole Williams would draw assists on the eventual game winner.
Pettitt would add his 2nd with just :13 left in the second period to round out the scoring and give the Steam the 4-2 lead that would eventually turn to a victory by the same score.
It turned out to be a great night for the visiting Summerland Steam, who managed to put 53 shots on Princeton goaltender Stephen Heslop. Heslop, much like all of last season, held his team in the game and made three or four very high quality saves to give his team a chance to win. He was particularly good in the late stages of the first period when Summerland was pressing in the Princeton zone, but finally allowed a couple of goals in the 2nd that allowed Summerland to pull away for the victory.
After the W last night, Summerland will now travel to Grand Forks to face the Border Bruins at 7PM tonight at the Jack Goddard Memorial Arena.
Thursday 27 August 2015
STEAM ACQUIRE WELLS
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| Austin Wells Photo: KIJHL.ca |
Wells, a native of Calgary, AB, joins the Steam and recent signee Matt Huber, also from Calgary, to form a goaltending tandem that on paper rivals any in the KIJHL. The two are reportedly familiar with one another, having spent time at the same training facility (Peak Power Sport Development - S.A.I.T.) in Calgary over the summer. Wells also does some additional development training with GDI based in Calgary in addition to his work at S.A.I.T.
The Steam will kick off exhibition action on Thursday, September 3rd in Kelowna against the Chiefs. They will then play Saturday, September 5th in Osoyoos before playing their only home exhibition game on Tuesday, September 8th against those same Osoyoos Coyotes.
Tuesday 25 August 2015
STEAM SIGN 2 FROM VERY SUCCESSFUL CAMP
After an extremely successful Main Camp on August 21, 22, and 23, the Summerland Steam are headed into the 2015/16 KIJHL season with high hopes. The indication from Head Coach John Depourcq and GM Gregg Wilson as well as Director of Player Personnel Mike Rigby is that the 2015/16 edition of the Summerland Steam will be deeper than the team that went to the Okanagan Division Final last season.
With a possible 14 returnees to the roster, the Steam lineup will be littered with veterans like Paulsen Lautard, Jack Mills, Adam Jones, Alex Williams, Braden Eliuk and the Yukon line (Malchow, Pettit, Gale), but there'll also be an injection of youth around the Summerland Arena. The Steam started the youth movement by making 2 signings out of training camp, including one familiar name.
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| Matt Huber Photo via Twitter |
That familiar name will likely not have to be taken off the #31 sweater worn last season by Goaltender Brett Huber, as his younger brother and fellow goaltender Matt Huber ('97) has joined the Steam for the 2015/16 KIJHL season. The younger Huber spent 2014/15 with the Calgary Flames Midget AAA program, while also suiting up for 2 games with the AJHL's Calgary Mustangs. In those 2 games, Huber posted a 2.31 GAA and a .944 Sv%.
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| Matt Monk Photo via Twitter |
In addition to the 2 new signees and Michael McLean, who the Steam signed early in the offseason, the Steam will carry several additional players through exhibition season to continue the evaluation process.
The Steam will begin their Exhibition Schedule with a pre-season rivalry revival with the Kelowna Chiefs on September 3rd in Rutland. The Steam and the Chiefs played down to the final whistle in a first round playoff series in 2014/15 that saw Jack Mills score both goals in a 2-1 victory in Game 7 to send Summerland to the second round. That game will go at 7PM on September 3rd at the Rutland Arena.
The Steam will also head to Osoyoos to play the Coyotes in exhibition action on September 5th, before hosting their one and only home exhibition game on Tuesday, September 8th at 7:30.
Monday 17 August 2015
STEAM SEEK HOST FAMILIES FOR 2015/16 SEASON
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| Kendell Wilson exiting the ice after a win during the 2014/15 KIJHL Season Photo Credit:Sarah Mayer www.shotsbysarah.tumblr.com |
As most of you are aware, and for those who aren't, the Summerland Arena is home to the Summerland Steam Junior Hockey Club of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The KIJHL is comprised of 20 teams across 4 divisions with players ranging in age from 16 to 20. These players come from all over the Okanagan, BC, Alberta and beyond to pursue their dreams of taking hockey to the next level.
The Summerland Steam enter the 2015/16 KIJHL season after a strong showing during the 2014/15 year. After a second place finish in the KIJHL’s Okanagan Division, the Steam are looking to build on their on-ice success in the coming year. To be successful on the ice the organization must be successful off the ice, and that success begins with our community. When players arrive to play in Summerland they become members of our community. They attend our schools, take jobs in local businesses, and play hockey in front of some of the best and loudest fans in the KIJHL.
Becoming valued members of our community is something that our organization expects of the young men who are selected to play for your hometown team, and the organization is searching for host families for these players as they begin to arrive in our community.
The Summerland Steam are always looking for families who are interested in opening their doors and giving our players a home away from home during the season. Without host families the Steam would be hard pressed to succeed. Host families act as surrogate parents for the young men during the hockey season while the players are away from home. Becoming a host family can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for all those willing to open up their homes to dedicated players of the Steam organization.
Billet families will receive $500 a month, Complimentary season tickets for all family members and an invite to all team functions and ceremonies. To us you are that player’s second family, and by extension part of our family as well!
If becoming a host family, a volunteer, OR a Season Ticket Member is something that interests you, please contact Team Owner & GM Gregg at 250 462-0905 (greggwilson@summerlandsteam.com) or Director of Media & Marketing Tim Hogg at 250-809-1820 (timhogg@summerlandsteam.com)
Saturday 8 August 2015
MCCALLUM TO JOIN COACHING STAFF
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| Jordan McCallum during his time with the Steam in 2011/12 Photo Credit: KIJHL.ca |
McCallum, a Summerland native, joins the hometown team one year removed from finishing a 4 year junior career spent between the KIJHL, BCHL, and MJHL. McCallum spent 2010-11 with the Penticton Lakers before joining the Summerland Steam in their inaugural season in 2011/12.
During the 2011/12 season he led the team with 65 points (25G, 40A), a franchise record for a single season that still holds as we head into the 2015/16 campaign.
After his breakout season with his hometown team in the KIJHL, McCallum found a home just down the road in Penticton where he spent the 2012/13 season with the perrenial powerhouse Jr. A Vees. He then moved to the MJHL, joining the Winnipeg Blues for his final season in 2013/14.
McCallum will have a great opportunity during 2015/16 to work closely with 2 time defending Okanagan Division Coach of the Year John Depourcq and his staff. Depourcq and associate coach Wade Parker guided the Steam to a 2nd place finish in the KIJHL's Okanagan Division last season, leading to a 2nd round showdown with the Regular Season champion Osoyoos Coyotes. That series lasted 6 games, with the Steam ultimately falling short of their goal.
With up to 15 players eligible to return this season, the Steam will have a great team and what looks like an even better coaching staff when the 2015/16 KIJHL Season kicks off in Princeton on September 11th.
Saturday 13 June 2015
TRANSACTION TRACKER: OFFSEASON 2015
The off-season for Junior hockey is officially halfway over, which means we're that much closer to opening weekend in early September. Teams have started announcing their player commitments for the 2015/16 season, and there is lots of new information to take in. This tracker will have information for all 20 teams, and will be updated as transactions and new information are announced.
- Former Co-Captains Aaron Azevedo (Iowa State) and Troy Maclise (Selkirk College) are off to play college hockey after completing their 20 year old seasons.
- Luc Gradisar will forgo his final Jr year and play college hockey at the University of Arkansas
- Ryan Roseboom and the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL have a mutual commitment for 2015/16
- The Coyotes commit to local product Evan Loura ('99) and ('97) F Reid Wilson, out of the Seafair Midget program
- Osoyoos trades Darryl Senholt ('95) to the Campbell River Storm in exchange for Daine Elphicke ('97) and future considerations
- Osoyoos trades Bailey Shaver ('96) to the Sicamous Eagles for Scott Robinson ('97)
- Coyotes name Rainer Glimpel as Captain for 2015/16. Returning D-man Daniel Stone will serve as one of his assistants
Thoughts: Osoyoos is in good shape for the 2015/16 season. They've moved a ton of players on from their 2014/15 Regular Season Championship run to higher junior levels and universities, but should have no problem putting a competitive product forward for their fans and the KIJHL. Ken Law is a veteran coach and a great recruiter and will have no problem finding solid talent for 2015/16
- Franchise leading goaltender Brett Huber and 3 year vet Nelson Hurry commit to Selkirk College for 2015/16
- The Steam and Penticton native Michael MacLean ('98) have reached a mutual commitment for 2015/16
- Forward Tyson Klingspohn has accepted a Tier 2 Junior commitment with the Springfield Express of the Western States Hockey League in 2015/16.
- The Steam announced that franchise leader for points in a single season with 65, Jordan McCallum, will join the coaching staff for 2015/16. McCallum joins the Steam staff alongside Head Coach John Depourcq and assistant coach Wade Parker after playing the last 4 seasons between the CSSHL, KIJHL, BCHL, and MJHL, most recently with the Winnipeg Blues in 2014/15.
Thoughts: Summerland will put forth a strong squad again in 2015/16 looking to build on the success of the past 2 seasons. They'll have to do it with a new backstop, however, as Brett Huber has moved on from the KIJHL to the BCIHL. With the amount of returnees eligible from last season with TONS of players born in 1996, they'll be a more veteran team looking to improve on last year's second round playoff exit.
- 20 year old F Ethan Rusnack and Assistant Coach Matt Sheeran commit to the University of Central Oklahoma for 2015/16
- Chiefs add former Vernon Vipers Captain and '99 RBC Cup Champion Lenny Rampone to coaching staff for 2015/16 along with former pro player Ryan Jorde. Both will join Head Coach Jason Tansem behind the Kelowna bench in 2015/16
- Kelowna trades Braeden Cyra ('95) to the Campbell River Storm of the VIJHL in exchange for Future Considerations
- 2014/15 Captain Anthony Ruggiero ('95) will not return for 2015/16. Ruggiero has been accepted to the Fire Fighter's Academy.
- Jeran Knorr ('97) has committed to play Junior A in 2015/16 for the Cochrane Crunch of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
- Chiefs announce a committment to Jeffrey Schlegel ('98, Okanagan Rockets, MML), Jaden McNulty ('97, Kelowna Midget Tier 1) and Kohlmann Brinsky (NEBC & Yukon Trackers)
Thoughts: Kelowna is always a competitive team. Just like Osoyoos, they have great recruiters and a good market where kids love to play. With the additions behind the bench, and surely more additions to the roster to come, they'll be a tough team again in 2015/16
- Defenceman Estevan Hale ('95) has accepted a commitment to Concordia University in Edmonton, AB for 2015/16
- Princeton parted ways with former GM/HC Bill Rotheisler at the end of the 2014/15 season and brought in former Osoyoos Coyotes Assistant Coach Geoff Goodman to take the helm for 2015/16 and beyond.
- Princeton Posse D Cooper Prechel ('98) has accepted a BCHL level commitment to spend 2015/16 with the Prince George Spruce Kings
Thoughts: Goodman is an intelligent hockey man and a great person to deal with off the ice, as well. Kids will take to his coaching style and surely will be competitive in 2015/16.
- Have yet to announce any changes to the roster or staff
Thoughts: They'll be tough again in 2015/16. They always are. As one of the biggest markets in the KIJHL it is a big draw for kids to come and play in a big city, and it's no secret that Kamloops has a great program led by GM Barry Dewar and Head Coach Ed Patterson. They've made the playoffs each of the past 4 seasons including a trip to the KIJHL Final this past season and a Regular season title in 2013/14.
- Wranglers' star defenceman Jayden Syrota ('97) and standout goaltender Kristian Stead ('96) have both accepted SJHL level commitments to play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 2015/16. Syrota will join the Weyburn Red Wings while Stead will spend 2015/16 with the Nipawin Hawks
- Captain of the 2014/15 squad, Devan Suidy, has accepted a collegiate commitment to play for Portage College in 2015/16
- Jesse Collins (last played for Creston in '13/14) has committed to play college hockey in the BCIHL at Eastern Washington University (EWU).
- Golden did not extend the contract of Head Coach & GM Ty Davidson at season's end due to Davidson wanting to return home to Salmon Arm to be with his family.
- Forward Braydon Barker has accepted a commitment to play Jr A for the Langley Rivermen of the BCHL in 2015/16
- Rebels' Captain Aaron Petten, a native of Fort MacMurray, AB, has accepted a collegiate commitment to Concordia University of the ACAC, based in Edmonton.
- The Castlegar Rebels trade the playing rights of '98 F Dawson Haines to the VIJHL's Kerry Park Islanders in exchange for Future Considerations.
- The Leafs have voted on a new Board of Directors for 2015/16 with a couple of incumbents but a lot of new blood. Will be interesting to see where they take the franchise from here.
- No news to report on any roster moves or staff changes
OKANAGAN DIVISION
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| Osoyoos Coyotes |
- Luc Gradisar will forgo his final Jr year and play college hockey at the University of Arkansas
- Ryan Roseboom and the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL have a mutual commitment for 2015/16
- The Coyotes commit to local product Evan Loura ('99) and ('97) F Reid Wilson, out of the Seafair Midget program
- Osoyoos trades Darryl Senholt ('95) to the Campbell River Storm in exchange for Daine Elphicke ('97) and future considerations
- Osoyoos trades Bailey Shaver ('96) to the Sicamous Eagles for Scott Robinson ('97)
- Coyotes name Rainer Glimpel as Captain for 2015/16. Returning D-man Daniel Stone will serve as one of his assistants
Thoughts: Osoyoos is in good shape for the 2015/16 season. They've moved a ton of players on from their 2014/15 Regular Season Championship run to higher junior levels and universities, but should have no problem putting a competitive product forward for their fans and the KIJHL. Ken Law is a veteran coach and a great recruiter and will have no problem finding solid talent for 2015/16
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| Summerland Steam |
- Franchise leading goaltender Brett Huber and 3 year vet Nelson Hurry commit to Selkirk College for 2015/16
- The Steam and Penticton native Michael MacLean ('98) have reached a mutual commitment for 2015/16
- Forward Tyson Klingspohn has accepted a Tier 2 Junior commitment with the Springfield Express of the Western States Hockey League in 2015/16.
- The Steam announced that franchise leader for points in a single season with 65, Jordan McCallum, will join the coaching staff for 2015/16. McCallum joins the Steam staff alongside Head Coach John Depourcq and assistant coach Wade Parker after playing the last 4 seasons between the CSSHL, KIJHL, BCHL, and MJHL, most recently with the Winnipeg Blues in 2014/15.
Thoughts: Summerland will put forth a strong squad again in 2015/16 looking to build on the success of the past 2 seasons. They'll have to do it with a new backstop, however, as Brett Huber has moved on from the KIJHL to the BCIHL. With the amount of returnees eligible from last season with TONS of players born in 1996, they'll be a more veteran team looking to improve on last year's second round playoff exit.
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| Kelowna Chiefs |
- Chiefs add former Vernon Vipers Captain and '99 RBC Cup Champion Lenny Rampone to coaching staff for 2015/16 along with former pro player Ryan Jorde. Both will join Head Coach Jason Tansem behind the Kelowna bench in 2015/16
- Kelowna trades Braeden Cyra ('95) to the Campbell River Storm of the VIJHL in exchange for Future Considerations
- 2014/15 Captain Anthony Ruggiero ('95) will not return for 2015/16. Ruggiero has been accepted to the Fire Fighter's Academy.
- Jeran Knorr ('97) has committed to play Junior A in 2015/16 for the Cochrane Crunch of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
- Chiefs announce a committment to Jeffrey Schlegel ('98, Okanagan Rockets, MML), Jaden McNulty ('97, Kelowna Midget Tier 1) and Kohlmann Brinsky (NEBC & Yukon Trackers)
Thoughts: Kelowna is always a competitive team. Just like Osoyoos, they have great recruiters and a good market where kids love to play. With the additions behind the bench, and surely more additions to the roster to come, they'll be a tough team again in 2015/16
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| Princeton Posse |
- Princeton parted ways with former GM/HC Bill Rotheisler at the end of the 2014/15 season and brought in former Osoyoos Coyotes Assistant Coach Geoff Goodman to take the helm for 2015/16 and beyond.
- Princeton Posse D Cooper Prechel ('98) has accepted a BCHL level commitment to spend 2015/16 with the Prince George Spruce Kings
Thoughts: Goodman is an intelligent hockey man and a great person to deal with off the ice, as well. Kids will take to his coaching style and surely will be competitive in 2015/16.
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| North Okanagan Knights |
- The Knights have changed ownership this off-season, with Dean Keller taking over as the principle owner of the Armstrong based hockey club.
- Keller's first move was to hire a new Head Coach and GM to replace Jim Armstrong and Chuck Gallacher, respectively. The man he chose is former Penticton Panthers, Merritt Centennials and Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach Bryant Perrier. Perrier comes with a strong coaching pedigree after spending the last several years coaching at the division 2 professional level in France. Prior to his pro experience, Perrier spent 10+ years in the BCHL and 2+ years in the MJHL with the now defunct Neepawa Natives.
Thoughts: The hire of Bryant Perrier as HC/GM is an absolutely brilliant move for the North Okanagan Knights. After a tough season last year that saw them finish 5th in the Okanagan Division and miss the playoffs, they've got the right guy in place to guide the franchise back to the form they were in when they won the KIJHL Championship in 2012/13. Perrier (at least in his BCHL days) brings a tough but fair coaching style to the table, and always seems to get the best from his players.
- Keller's first move was to hire a new Head Coach and GM to replace Jim Armstrong and Chuck Gallacher, respectively. The man he chose is former Penticton Panthers, Merritt Centennials and Alberni Valley Bulldogs Head Coach Bryant Perrier. Perrier comes with a strong coaching pedigree after spending the last several years coaching at the division 2 professional level in France. Prior to his pro experience, Perrier spent 10+ years in the BCHL and 2+ years in the MJHL with the now defunct Neepawa Natives.
Thoughts: The hire of Bryant Perrier as HC/GM is an absolutely brilliant move for the North Okanagan Knights. After a tough season last year that saw them finish 5th in the Okanagan Division and miss the playoffs, they've got the right guy in place to guide the franchise back to the form they were in when they won the KIJHL Championship in 2012/13. Perrier (at least in his BCHL days) brings a tough but fair coaching style to the table, and always seems to get the best from his players.
DOUG BIRKS DIVISION
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| Kamloops Storm |
- Have yet to announce any changes to the roster or staff
Thoughts: They'll be tough again in 2015/16. They always are. As one of the biggest markets in the KIJHL it is a big draw for kids to come and play in a big city, and it's no secret that Kamloops has a great program led by GM Barry Dewar and Head Coach Ed Patterson. They've made the playoffs each of the past 4 seasons including a trip to the KIJHL Final this past season and a Regular season title in 2013/14.
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| Chase Heat |
- In an effort to get younger, the Heat traded local product Cody Hodges ('96) and D Connor Harding ('96) to the Victoria Cougars of the VIJHL, who host the Cyclone Taylor Cup in 2016
Thoughts: The Doug Birks Division was the tightest division in the KIJHL last season, and I would expect that to remain true for 2015/16. Chase is a hockey team with a good management and coaching staff who deploy systems that are incredibly hard to play against.
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| 100 Mile House Wranglers |
- Captain of the 2014/15 squad, Devan Suidy, has accepted a collegiate commitment to play for Portage College in 2015/16
Thoughts: Head Coach and GM Dale Hladun had a successful first year in 100 Mile House. Yes, they finished 3rd and started the playoffs on the road in Chase, but they were in the hunt for home ice advantage up until the final day of the regular season. They dispatched of the Heat in the first round before bowing out to a very strong Kamloops Storm squad in the second round. Expect 100 Mile to be competitive again in 2015/16. Hladun coaches a 'heavy' style of game, meaning his teams are always big, tough, and talented.
- The Eagles parted ways with long time Head Coach and GM Blair Robinson after 21 seasons.
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| Sicamous Eagles |
- The Eagles replaced Robinson with former Golden Rockets Head Coach and GM Ty Davidson. Davidson left Golden at the end of the 2014/15 season in order to be closer to his family in Salmon Arm.
- Sicamous completed a trade with the Osoyoos Coyotes, acquiring Bailey Shaver ('96) in exchange for Penticton product Scott Robinson ('97)
- Sicamous trades G Olivier Charest ('95) to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the VIJHL in exchange for Franco Colapaolo
- Sicamous transfers the playing rights of G Patrick Kasper ('96) to the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL.
- Sicamous trades G Olivier Charest ('95) to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the VIJHL in exchange for Franco Colapaolo
- Sicamous transfers the playing rights of G Patrick Kasper ('96) to the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL.
Thoughts: The addition of Bailey Shaver gives the Eagles a physical element that will be needed in a division that includes the 100 Mile House Wranglers and Kamloops Storm. Ty Davidson comes from the ultra competitive Eddie Mountain Division, and knows how to coach in tight situations. He will be a good asset for Sicamous and I'd bet they'll improve on their 4th place finish in the Doug Birks Division in 2014/15.
- Defenceman Nii Noi Tetteh ('98) has accepted a commitment from the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL to play Jr. A. next season.
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| Revelstoke Grizzlies |
- Tyler Chavez-Leach, the Grizzlies' second leading scorer last season, has accepted a commitment to play Jr. A for the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL in 2015/16
- Revelstoke acquired G Brody Nelson ('95) from the Kimberley Dynamiters. Nelson spent last season split between Columbia Valley, Kamloops, and Kimberley.
- The Grizzlies announce that Carter Huber has accepted a commitment from the AJHL's Okotoks Oilers for the 2015/16 season.
- The Grizzlies announce that Carter Huber has accepted a commitment from the AJHL's Okotoks Oilers for the 2015/16 season.
Thoughts: The acquisition of Brody Nelson in goal gives Head Coach Ryan Parent some foundation to build on. The Grizzlies finished 5th last season, but missed the postseason by way of a tie breaker with the Sicamous Eagles. The crop of returning players they have eligible for 2014/15 includes leading scorer Steven Fiust, and is as good as any group of eligible returnees in the KIJHL. Look for them to improve on that 5th place finish in 2015/16.
- Forwards Braden Saretsky ('96) and Coy Prevost ('97) accept commitments to play Jr. A for the Canmore Eagles of the AJHL in 2015/16
- Brady Revie, Tyler Kinnon, and Charlie Dagostin have all accepted collegiate commitments for 2015/16.
EDDIE MOUNTAIN DIVISION
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| Kimberley Dynamtiers |
- Brady Revie, Tyler Kinnon, and Charlie Dagostin have all accepted collegiate commitments for 2015/16.
- The Nitros have agreed on mutual commitments with James Rota ('98, Kimberley), Tyler Van Steinburg ('98, Cranbrook) and Austyn Moser ('98)
- The KIJHL Champion Nitros have shuffled their staff. Longtime GM Dave Smith moves to an assistant GM's role, while Assistant Coach Mike Reid will take over General Manager duties.
Thoughts: Kimberley might need every single day of the off-season to rest after they played 29 games in 45 days to win a silver medal at the Cyclone Taylor Cup in 2015. A key returnee for the Nitros will be goaltender Tyson Brouwer, who captured the eyes of the entire KIJHL with his play during the postseason and through the Cycole Taylor Cup.
- Josh Lockhart has an offseason tracker going as well for the Nitros. Check it out here.
- The Fernie Ghostriders have acquired the playing rights to D Ryan Teslak ('98) from the Castlegar Rebels in exchange for Future Considerations.
- Josh Lockhart has an offseason tracker going as well for the Nitros. Check it out here.
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| Fernie Ghostriders |
Thoughts: No worries about Fernie. They'll be in the top 3 in their division this season, as they always are. They have one of the best fan bases in Jr. hockey all across BC and always put a good product on the ice.
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| Creston Valley Thunder Cats |
- Connor Kidd has accepted a collegiate commitment to Becker College (Mass.)
- Joe Martin, who coached the T-Cats many years ago, has accepted the position of Head Coach & GM with the BCHL's Merritt Centennials. Martin joins the Cents to fill the spot vacated by former HC/GM Luke Pearce, who accepted the same role with the WHL's Kootenay Ice early in the offseason.
- The Thunder Cats swung a deal with the Campbell River Storm, acquiring Zack Sanderson ('96) in exchange for Future Considerations
- Creston Valley has announced a player commitment to F Justin Podgorenko ('98) and G Jason Mailhiot for 2015/16. Podgorenko and Mailhiot both spent last season with the Kootenay Ice in the BC Major Midget League.
- The Thunder Cats have acquired the playing rights of F James Severs ('96) from the Westshore Wolves of the VIJHL in exchange for Future Considerations.
- Thunder Cats D Maverick Lynes ('96) has accepted a Junior A commitment from the MJHL (Manitoba Junior Hockey League) Selkirk Steelers for 2015/16
- Creston Valley has announced a player commitment to F Justin Podgorenko ('98) and G Jason Mailhiot for 2015/16. Podgorenko and Mailhiot both spent last season with the Kootenay Ice in the BC Major Midget League.
- The Thunder Cats have acquired the playing rights of F James Severs ('96) from the Westshore Wolves of the VIJHL in exchange for Future Considerations.
- Thunder Cats D Maverick Lynes ('96) has accepted a Junior A commitment from the MJHL (Manitoba Junior Hockey League) Selkirk Steelers for 2015/16
Thoughts: Head Coach and GM Jeff Dubois is a great hockey coach and an even better recruiter. After joining the Thunder Cats last season off of back to back BCIHL titles with the Castlegar based Selkirk College, Dubois went to work shaping his roster and building his team and staff. He built a squad that was extremely tough to play against and got better as the year went on. With the crop of eligible returnees for the 2015/16 season, the T-Cats will surely be competitive again this season.
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| Golden Rockets |
- The Rockets found themselves a quality hockey man to take the helm in the person of Jason Stephens. Stephens is a qualified hockey man who has coached at the Midget AAA and Junior levels in Alberta as well as with the National Inline Hockey Association of Canada.
Thoughts: To go along with arguably (in my opinion) the best road jerseys in the KIJHL, the Rockets will have a veteran team this season with lots of players eligible to return from last year. They were an extremely tough team that nobody liked to play last season, and that says a lot in a division with Kimberley, Fernie, and Creston.
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| Columbia Valley Rockies |
- Tyson Kapty has accepted a collegiate commitment to Mount Royal University
- Randy Teeple has accepted a collegiate commitment to the University of Lethbridge
- Rockies Captain Ryan St. Jean has accepted a commitment from the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings for the 2015/16 season.
- Rockies Captain Ryan St. Jean has accepted a commitment from the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings for the 2015/16 season.
Thoughts: It will be an interesting year for Head Coach Wade Dubielewicz and the Columbia Valley Rockies. After a year of ups and downs last year that ended in a 5th place finish in a very tough division, they'll be looking to improve. Dubielewicz, a former NHL goaltender, knows his way in the game of hockey and surely will be able to improve on the 12 wins they accomplished in 2014/15.
- "Super Rookies" Spencer McLean ('98) and Ross Armour ('98) have accepted Jr A commitments with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL.
NEIL MURDOCH DIVISION
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| Beaver Valley Nitehawks |
Thoughts: BV is always one of the top teams in the Murdoch Division. A great program run by great people that always puts a good product on the ice for their fans and the rest of the league. Look forward to seeing them play the Okanagan Division again in 2015/16.
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| Castlegar Rebels |
- The Castlegar Rebels trade the playing rights of '98 F Dawson Haines to the VIJHL's Kerry Park Islanders in exchange for Future Considerations.
Thoughts: Castlegar is always strong and they recruit well. Their crop of eligible returnees is strong, and they'll surely have a couple of new additions that will open some eyes as well.
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| Nelson Leafs |
- Former player Aaron Dunlap has accepted a collegiate commitment from the BCIHL's Eastern Washington University Eagles for 2015/16.
- Standout defencemen Robson Cramer and Darnell St. Pierre have both accepted collegiate commitments to Simon Fraser University. They will play for the Clan in the BCIHL in 2015/16
Thoughts: Nelson is in good shape. They have lots of young players eligible to return for 2015/16 and have a Head Coach and GM in Dave McLellan who now has a year of KIJHL coaching under his belt. The Leafs had a good year in 2015/16. They were a first place team that finished third on a technicality, and ultimately went out in the first round of the KIJHL playoffs. They'll likely have another strong squad in 2015/16 and contend for a division championship again.
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| Spokane Braves |
Thoughts: The KIJHL's only American team had a good year in 2014/15. They started a little slow but were buoyed by the arrival of standout goaltender Trevor Dilauro ('97) and the offensive power of Kurtis Redding, Tanner Stolz and Jonny Marzec up front. They were led on offense by their veteran players, and will have to replace at least Tanner Stolz based on age. They'll likely be competitive again in 2015/16 and I look forward to what they'll have to offer.
- Matt Lucero has accepted a collegiate commitment to Eastern Washington University. He'll play for the Eagles in the BCIHL in 2015/16.
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| Grand Forks Border Bruins |
- After spending most of the offseason searching for the right candidate, the Grand Forks Border Bruins have found their new Head Coach and General Manager in Emery Olauson. Olauson comes from Canmore, AB, and has transitioned to coaching after a long playing career highlighted by an 88 pt season with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League in 2011/12. Olauson spent the 2013/14 season as an associate coach with the SJHL's Flin Flon Bombers before taking on the position of Head Coach with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the SPHL in 2014/15. You can read the Bruins' release here.
Thoughts: Grand Forks had a tough year last year. No question about it. They only recorded 8 wins and did not record a win (except by default) after the departure of leading scorer Max Newton to the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL in November. They are still looking for a new Head Coach and GM and I hope the storied franchise in Grand Forks finds the right person to make the team competitive in a very tough division to play in.
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